The Relationship Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Criminality in Juvenile Offenders.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and criminal behavior in youth who are incarcerated or on probation in Texas.

SETTING

Seven juvenile justice facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Juvenile offenders in state or county correctional facilities or on probation.

DESIGN

Screening for TBI was conducted among adolescents at 7 juvenile justice centers.

MAIN MEASURES

Participants were administered the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire, and results were linked to participants' offense history and psychiatric diagnoses.

RESULTS

One in 4 juvenile offenders met criteria for TBI, and the majority of injuries occurred prior to the adolescents' criminal offenses. A history of TBI was related to more violent crimes, as well as more mental health diagnoses and symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The high rates of TBI and levels of distress found in juvenile offenders suggest a need for preventive actions, interventions to compensate for challenges related to TBI, and programs to assist individuals' transitions into the community.